Integrated lens with multiple optical structures and/or surfaces, optical module and transceiver including the same, and methods of making and using the same

ABSTRACT

An integrated lens with integrated functional optical surfaces for use in optical communication is disclosed. The integrated lens includes first and second cavities and a fiber adapter. The device also includes integrated first and second lenses. The first cavity houses one or more optical transmitting and/or receiving devices. The second cavity has a first optical surface and an optional second optical surface. The fiber adapter has the second lens. The integrated lens enables a small size, a light weight, high coupling and a high transmission efficiency, and can be produced by injection molding using a single mold. The integrated lens is applicable to optical signal coupling, fiber connections, optical modules, and optical or optoelectronic communication.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/426,326, filed Mar. 5, 2015 (Attorney Docket No. SP-340-L),pending, which is a national phase application of International Pat.Appl. No. PCT/CN2015/072957, filed Feb. 12, 2015, both of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of optical communication,especially to optical modules for multi-mode optical or optoelectroniccommunication.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

At present, optical communication is highly miniaturized and fast. Asoptical modules play an important role in facilitating the developmentand modernization of the optical communications industry, smaller andfaster optical modes are continuously needed. Miniaturization bringsmore and more functional blocks and/or structures integrated into alimited device space, and accordingly, the connections and/orinterface(s) between the optical module and the communication systembecome more complicated.

Optical signal transmission and conversion in optical modules are thebuilding blocks of optical communication. For this purpose, a greatnumber of optical transmitters, receivers and photoelectric detectorsare employed in optical modules. As printed circuit boards are put inuse, optical transmitters, receivers and photoelectric detectors areattached to positions on the PCB in an optical module. The circuitry onthe PCB is configured to link the devices together properly. In thisway, the production cost of optical modules goes down greatly, while thestructure of the device generally becomes more compact.

One typically utilizes optical coupling and/or connecting devices totransmit the optical signals from optical transmitters on a PCB in anoptical module, or guide incoming optical signals from an externaloptical device (e.g., a client) to photoelectric detectors on a PCB inan optical module. However, the cost and complexity of conventionaloptical coupling and/or connecting devices is high. Many conventionaloptical coupling and/or connecting devices employ a plurality ofindividual optical lenses to focus, change or conduct light paths ofoptical signals, and the installation and production of such individuallenses may be unacceptably complicated, costly and/or inefficient.

This “Discussion of the Background” section is provided for backgroundinformation only. The statements in this “Discussion of the Background”are not an admission that the subject matter disclosed in this“Discussion of the Background” section constitutes prior art to thepresent disclosure, and no part of this “Discussion of the Background”section may be used as an admission that any part of this application,including this “Discussion of the Background” section, constitutes priorart to the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is intended to overcome one or more deficienciesin the prior art, and provide an integrated lens (e.g., an opticalcoupling and/or connecting device) with one or more lenses and otheroptical surfaces, such as mirrors. Light path coupling and linking canbe achieved in the transmitter or receiver in an optical module usingone or more lenses.

In order to achieve the present objective(s), in one respect, thepresent invention concerns an integrated lens with multiple opticalstructures and/or surfaces, comprising a first cavity (e.g., a housingor space for one or more optoelectronic devices), a second a cavity(e.g., a second cavity), and a fiber adapter. The first cavity is on afirst side of the integrated lens, and the second cavity is on a secondside of the integrated lens. The fiber adapter and a first opticalsurface (e.g., a mirror or other reflective surface) of the integratedlens face each other along an optical axis of a light path between thefiber adapter and the first optical surface, and the center axis of thefiber adapter is parallel with the bottom of the integrated lens. Theoptical coupler has a first, integrated lens extending into the firstcavity. The first lens is generally convex, and is positioned above anoptoelectronic transmitting or receiving device, such as a laser diodeor a photodiode. The second cavity generally forms the first opticalsurface and may form an optional second optical surface, such as amirror (e.g., in transmitter embodiments). The first and second opticalsurfaces are planar, and in some embodiments, intersect with each otherat an angle of 160-175°. The fiber adapter includes a second lens thatextends into the integrated lens. The second lens may be concave orconvex.

Furthermore, in embodiments relating to an integrated lens adapted foran optoelectronic transmitter, the first cavity may further contain asubcavity forming or defining a third optical surface (e.g., a mirror orother reflective surface) that is generally planar and sloped at apredetermined angle relative to one or more planar surfaces of the firstcavity. The subcavity is generally adjacent or proximate to the fiberadapter (e.g., between the first lens and the fiber adapter).

The angle between the third optical surface and the planar surface ofthe first cavity that is parallel to planar uppermost and lowermostsurfaces of the integrated lens is a first predetermined angle. Usingthis planar surface as a reference plane, the first predetermined angleis, in some embodiments, 101°±x°, where x is a positive number ≦15(e.g., 101°±7°, 101°±3°, etc.). Conversely, the angle is 79°±x°. In suchembodiments, the light-receiving surface of the third optical surfacefaces the light-reflecting surface of the second optical surface. Inother embodiments, the third optical surface is at second predeterminedangle with regard to the planar surface of the first cavity that isparallel with planar uppermost and lowermost surfaces of the integratedlens. Using this planar surface as a reference plane, the secondpredetermined angle is, in some embodiments, 60°±y°, where y isindependently a positive number ≦15 (e.g., 60°±5°, 60°±3°, etc.). Thesubcavity enables a relatively simple, low-cost injection moldingprocess for making the integrated lens.

In such cases, when the optical signal reflected by the second opticalsurface is incident upon the third optical surface, the sum of theincident angles are greater than the total reflection critical angle.That is, the optical signal can be reflected to an optical monitoringdetector (e.g., a photodiode [PD] or avalanche photodiode [APD]) withminimal losses using the third optical surface. In embodiments relatingto an optical transmitter, the monitoring detector is in the firstcavity, below the third optical surface. This structure is relativelysimple, and provides higher reflection efficiency.

In further embodiments relating to an integrated lens adapted for anoptoelectronic transmitter, the first cavity may further contain a thirdlens. The third lens is convex, and located between the first lens andthe third optical surface (e.g., above the optical monitoring detector),adjacent or proximate to the third optical surface at its intersectionwith the planar surface of the first cavity that is parallel to planaruppermost and lowermost surfaces of the integrated lens. Light (e.g., atleast part of an optical signal) reflected by the third optical surfaceis focused by the third lens on the optical monitoring detector belowthe third optical surface. The optical signal reflected by the thirdoptical surface can be more effectively focused by the third lens on theoptical monitoring detector than in the absence of the third lens,thereby increasing the detection efficiency.

The integrated lens further contains a vent hole configured to permitair or other gas(es) to pass freely into and out of the first cavity. Insome embodiments, the vent hole is at a portion or end of the integratedlens opposite from the fiber adapter, but its position is not solimited. The vent hole extends through the integrated lens, with one endexposed to the exterior of the integrated lens and an opposite endconnected to the first cavity.

The bottommost surface of the integrated lens may be attached to asubstrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB) with an adhesive such asoptical cement. As the first cavity contains air, the air in the firstcavity can escape from below the integrated lens through the vent hole,which is in gaseous communication with the uppermost surface of theintegrated lens. Meanwhile, the heat produced by devices on the PCB(such as a laser diode, photodiode, etc.) during operation of theoptical module can be dissipated through the vent hole to reduce theoperating temperature of the devices on the PCB and keep the moduleoperating stably.

The integrated lens may be produced by injection molding, in a singlemolding process (i.e., without attachment of further components). Thefirst cavity, the second cavity, the first and second lenses, the firstoptical surface, the second optical surface, the third optical surface,the fourth optical surface, the second lens, the third lens and the venthole structure therein can be formed in a single structure by injectionmolding in a single molding process. Thus, a method of making theintegrated lens may comprise injecting a material for the integratedlens into a mold having a shape of the integrated lens, and removing theinjected material from the mold. The method may further comprise heatingthe material for the integrated lens before injecting it into the mold,and cooling the injected material, before and/or after removing theinjected material from the mold. This method is beneficial to productmanufacturing due to the simple operation, low cost, and high productionefficiency thereof. The integrated lens(es) may comprise or be made froma highly transparent, chemically and mechanically stable material thatcan be injection molded, such as glass, a polyetherimide (PEI), apolyethersulfone (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polystyrene(PS), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

Preferably, the integrated lens is made from PEI. The glass transitiontemperature of PEI is 216° C. PEI has a high dielectric strength,natural flame resistance, and extremely low smoke generation. PEI hasexcellent mechanical properties (such as high stiffness or modulus ofelasticity) and performance in continuous use, up to a temperature of340° F. (170° C.). A standard, unfilled PEI (e.g., commerciallyavailable under the trade name ULTEM 1000 from Saudi Basic IndustriesCorporation [Sabic], Pittsfield, Mass.) has a typical thermalconductivity of 0.22 W/(m·K). PEI is a good source material for anoptical lens.

Preferably, the angle between the second optical surface and thebottommost surface of the integrated lens is 135°±15°, taking thebottommost surface of the integrated lens as a reference plane, and theangle between the third optical surface and the bottommost surface ofthe integrated lens is 150°±15°, taking the bottommost surface of theintegrated lens as a reference plane.

The integrated lens may be suitable for coupling and/or connectingoptical signals from an optical fiber to an optical receiver, or forcoupling and/or connecting optical signals from an optical transmitterto an optical fiber. Furthermore, in an optical transceiver, integratedlenses for the receiver and for the transmitter may be proximate toand/or in parallel with each other.

Furthermore, the integrated lens for an optical receiver (herein, the“receiver integrated lens”) includes the first cavity, the second cavitywith the first optical surface thereon, the first lens, and a fiberadapter. The first optical surface may comprise a mirror. The receiverintegrated lens may further include a collimating lens at an innermostend of the fiber adapter (i.e., an end of the fiber adapter that extendsfarthest into the integrated lens). The fiber adapter in the receiverintegrated lens connects with and/or receives an optical signaltransmission fiber.

Furthermore, an optical receiver or transceiver further comprises aphotodiode (PD, such as an avalanche photodiode [APD]) positioned underthe first lens. The PD is electrically connected with a transimpedanceamplifier (TIA), generally by traces on a PCB on which the PD and TIAare mounted (e.g., in the first cavity).

The receiver integrated lens receives an optical signal from an opticalsignal transmission fiber through the lens at the innermost end of thefiber adapter, which focuses the optical signal onto the first opticalsurface (e.g., mirror). The optical signal is incident upon the opticalsurface (e.g., for total reflection of the signal), then the opticalsignal is reflected to the first lens (e.g., on or into the firstcavity), which focuses the optical signal onto the receiver PD. Thesignal incident upon the receiver PD converts the optical signal into anelectrical signal, which is received by the TIA. The TIA amplifies theelectrical signal and provides the amplified signal to a downstreamdevice connected to the TIA.

Furthermore, the integrated lens for an optical transmitter (the“transmitter integrated lens”) includes the first cavity, the secondcavity with the first and second optical surfaces thereon, the firstlens, the third optical surface (on the subcavity in the first cavity),and the fiber adapter. As for the receiver integrated lens, the firstoptical surface may comprise a mirror, the transmitter integrated lensmay further include a collimating lens at an innermost end of the fiberadapter (i.e., an end of the fiber adapter that extends farthest intothe integrated lens), and the fiber adapter connects with and/orreceives an optical signal transmission fiber.

Similar to the receiver integrated lens, the transmitter integrated lensis adhered to a PCB (e.g., in an optical module), over an optical signaltransmitter in the first cavity. The optical signal from the opticalsignal transmitter is perpendicularly incident upon and focused oraligned by the first lens. The optical signal is incident upon the firstand second optical surfaces on the second cavity. The optical signalreflected by the first optical surface is focused by the second lensonto an end of the optical signal transmission fiber connected to thefiber adapter, and provided to one or more devices in an opticalnetwork. The optical signal reflected by the second optical surface isincident upon the third optical surface, where the optical signal isreflected to an optical signal detector (such as a monitoringphotodiode) under the third optical surface (i.e., in the first cavity).The optical signal reflected by the third optical surface is generallyperpendicularly incident upon the optical signal detector. The opticalsignal detector under the transmitter integrated lens may be a PD orAPD.

The present invention also relates to an optical transceiver includingthe integrated lens. The integrated lens enables optical signaltransmission and reception in optical modules. Thus, in someembodiments, the optical transceiver comprises a transmitter integratedlens in proximity to and/or in parallel with a receiver integrated lens,an optical transmitter (e.g., a laser diode) below the transmitterintegrated lens, configured to transmit optical signals, and an opticalreceiver (e.g., a photodiode) below the receiver integrated lens,configured to receive optical signals.

Furthermore, the optical transceiver may transmit and/or receive opticalsignals having different wavelengths (e.g., multimode opticalcommunication). The integrated lens of the present invention may be usedin single-mode or multi-mode transmission and/or reception. Themulti-surface structure of the present integrated lens enables broadwavelength coverage for coupling optical signals (e.g., between theoptical fiber and the transmitter or receiver) and high reflectionefficiency, and has a bright future in multimode communication.

The present invention further relates to optical devices, opticalmodules and optical communication devices including the presentintegrated lens. Furthermore, the present invention further providesmethods of transmitting and/or receiving optical signals using theintegrated lens.

Relative to the prior art, the present integrated lens integrated withmultiple optical surfaces, and including a first cavity, a secondcavity, and a fiber adapter, has advantageous effects. The first cavityis at or in a lowermost surface or bottom of the integrated lens, andthe second cavity is at or in an uppermost surface or top of theintegrated lens. The fiber adapter is on or in the front end or face ofthe integrated lens, and a center axis of the fiber adapter is parallelto the lowermost surface of the integrated lens. A first lens extendsinto the first cavity, and may be at a location corresponding to anoptical transmitter on a substrate (e.g., a PCB) on which the integratedlens is mounted or adhered. First and second planar optical surfaces(e.g., mirrors) are on bottom surfaces of the second cavity in thetransmitter integrated lens. The first and second planar opticalsurfaces may intersect each other at an angle of 160-175°. The firstoptical surface may intersect the second optical surface at a line thatis parallel with a planar cross-section of the integrated lens that isorthogonal to the center axis of the fiber adapter. The receiverintegrated lens includes the first planar optical surface on a bottomsurface of the second cavity. The innermost end of the fiber adapterincludes a second lens, which may be convex. The integrated lens isapplicable to optical modules and can be positioned on a PCB over anoptical transmitter or optical receiver. The integrated lens can beproduced by injection molding using a single mold, which enables asimple, low cost production process and high production efficiency.

A method of transmitting an optical signal using the present integratedlens having multiple optical surfaces includes aligning or focusing theoptical signal from an optical transmitter (which may be on a PCB) withthe first lens onto the first optical surface, reflecting the opticalsignal from the first optical surface to the second lens on a face ofthe fiber adapter, and focusing the reflected optical signal onto afiber in the fiber adapter. The method of transmitting the opticalsignal may further comprise reflecting a part of the focused opticalsignal from the second optical surface to the third optical surface,then further reflecting the reflected optical signal to a monitoringdetector. Most of the focused optical signal is reflected by the secondoptical surface.

A method of receiving an optical signal using the present integratedlens having multiple optical surfaces includes aligning or focusing theoptical signal from a fiber in the fiber adapter with the second lensonto the first optical surface, reflecting the optical signal from thefirst optical surface to the first lens, and focusing the reflectedoptical signal onto an optical receiver (which may be on the PCB) withthe first lens.

The present device and methods enable not only the connection betweenoptical fibers and optical transmitters and/or receivers, but alsooptical coupling of the optical signal from an optical transmitter to afiber and from a fiber to an optical receiver. In addition, thetransmitter integrated lens may reflect a small part of the opticalsignal from the transmitter to a monitoring photodiode for opticalsignal detection and/or power measurement. The present device andoptical signal receiving method may achieve synchronous optical signaldetection in an optical transmitter or receiver. The integrated lensincludes multiple integrated lenses and optical surfaces instead ofseparate or discrete passive optical components, optimizes the lightpath and device structure, greatly reduces production cost, has a simpleand/or unitary structure and high optical coupling efficiency, may havea small size and light weight, and is applicable to various opticalsignal coupling connections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary installation and structure ofintegrated lenses suitable for an optical or optoelectronic transceiverin accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of an exemplary receiver integrated lens inaccordance with one or more embodiments in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of an exemplary transmitter integrated lens inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing light path(s) and/or an operation of anexemplary receiver integrated lens in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section showing an exemplary transmitter integratedlens in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing light path(s) and/or an operation of analternative transmitter integrated lens in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section showing a further alternative transmitterintegrated lens in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the light path(s) and/or an operation of thefurther alternative transmitter integrated lens in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the further alternativetransmitter integrated lens of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10A is a cross-section showing a still further alternativetransmitter integrated lens in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the present invention, and FIG. 10B is an exterior view of thetransmitter integrated lens of FIG. 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thefollowing embodiments, it will be understood that the descriptions arenot intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On thecontrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modificationsand equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description of the present invention, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described indetail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the disclosure.

Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented interms of processes, procedures, logic, functions, and other symbolicrepresentations of operations on signals, code, data bits, or datastreams within a computer, transceiver, processor, controller and/ormemory. These descriptions and representations are generally used bythose skilled in the data processing arts to effectively convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. A process,procedure, logic operation, function, process, etc., is herein, and isgenerally, considered to be a step or a self-consistent sequence ofsteps or instructions leading to a desired and/or expected result. Thesteps generally include physical manipulations of physical quantities.Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form ofelectrical, magnetic, optical, or quantum signals capable of beingstored, transferred, combined, compared, and/or otherwise manipulated ina computer, data processing system, optical component, or circuit. Ithas proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage,to refer to these signals as bits, streams, values, elements, symbols,characters, terms, numbers, information or the like. It should be bornein mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are associatedwith the appropriate physical quantities and/or signals, and are merelyconvenient labels applied to these quantities and/or signals.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, or as will be apparent from thefollowing discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the presentapplication, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,”“operating,” “calculating,” “determining,” or the like, refer to theaction and processes of a computer, data processing system, or similarprocessing device (e.g., an electrical, optical, or quantum computing orprocessing device or circuit) that manipulates and transforms datarepresented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities. The terms referto actions and processes of the processing devices that manipulate ortransform physical quantities within the component(s) of a circuit,system or architecture (e.g., registers, memories, other suchinformation storage, transmission or display devices, etc.) into otherdata or information similarly represented as physical quantities withinother components of the same or a different system or architecture.

Furthermore, in the context of this application, the terms “signal” and“optical signal” refer to any known structure, construction,arrangement, technique, method and/or process for physicallytransferring a signal or optical signal, respectively, from one point toanother. Also, unless indicated otherwise from the context of its useherein, the terms “fixed,” “given,” “certain” and “predetermined”generally refer to a value, quantity, parameter, constraint, condition,state, process, procedure, method, practice, or combination thereof thatis, in theory, variable, but is typically set in advance and not variedthereafter when in use. Similarly, for convenience and simplicity, theterms “time,” “rate,” “period” and “frequency” are, in general,interchangeable and may be used interchangeably herein, as are the terms“data,” “bits,” and “information,” but these terms are generally giventheir art-recognized meanings.

For the sake of convenience and simplicity, the terms “optical” and“optoelectronic” are generally used interchangeably herein, and use ofeither of these terms also includes the other, unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise, but these terms are generally given theirart-recognized meanings herein. Furthermore, the term “transceiver”refers to a device having at least one receiver and at least onetransmitter, and use of the term “transceiver” also includes theindividual terms “receiver” and/or “transmitter,” unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise. Also, for convenience and simplicity, theterms “connected to,” “coupled with,” “communicating with,” “coupledto,” and grammatical variations thereof (which terms also refer todirect and/or indirect relationships between the connected, coupledand/or communicating elements unless the context of the term's useunambiguously indicates otherwise) may be used interchangeably, butthese terms are also generally given their art-recognized meanings.

Various embodiments and/or examples disclosed herein may be combinedwith other embodiments and/or examples, as long as such a combination isnot explicitly disclosed herein as being unfavorable, undesirable ordisadvantageous. The invention, in its various aspects, will beexplained in greater detail below with regard to exemplary embodiments.

Exemplary Receiver and Transmitter Integrated Lenses

The present invention concerns housings for a receiver integrated lens(e.g., a receiver optical coupling and/or connecting device) and atransmitter integrated lens (e.g., a transmitter optical coupling and/orconnecting device). As shown in FIG. 1, the receiver integrated lens 1and the transmitter integrated lens 2 are arranged in parallel incorresponding or adjacent positions on a PCB 3. A monitoring photodiode5 and a luminescent device (e.g., a transmitter such as a laser diode) 4are positioned under the transmitter integrated lens 2. Also, aphotodiode (PD, such as an avalanche photodiode [APD]) 6 is under thereceiver integrated lens 1, and electrically connected to atransimpedance amplifier (TIA) 7.

As shown in FIG. 2, the receiver integrated lens 1 includes a firstcavity 1-A with a first lens 1-1, a second cavity 1-B, and a fiberadapter 1-C. An inner or innermost surface (e.g., the bottom) of thesecond cavity 1-B has a mirror surface 1-2. The receiver integrated lens1 further includes a convex light collimating lens 1-3 at an innermostend of the fiber adapter 1-C (e.g., that extends from the body of theintegrated lens into the fiber adapter).

The fiber adapter 1-C receives and is connected with an optical signaltransmission fiber. The optical signal from the optical signaltransmission fiber is provided to the lens 1-3 to focus the opticalsignal onto the mirror surface 1-2 of the second cavity 1-B, then theoptical signal is reflected (e.g., completely or substantiallycompletely) to the first lens 1-1 in the first cavity 1-A. Although areflective material can be deposited or otherwise formed on the opticalsurfaces (e.g., on the bottom of the second cavity 1-B) of theintegrated lenses, it is generally not necessary to do so, as theintegrated lens-air interface also functions as a reflective surface.The first lens 1-1 then focuses the reflected optical signal onto the PD6, which converts the optical signal into an electrical signal and sendsit to the TIA 7 for amplification and further downstream processing.

As shown in FIG. 3, the transmitter integrated lens 2 is an integratedlens integrated with multiple optical surfaces and that includes a firstcavity 2-A, a second cavity 2-B, and a fiber adapter 2-C. The firstcavity 2-A is at the bottom or lowermost surface of the integrated lens2, and the second cavity 2-B is at the top or uppermost surface of theintegrated lens 2. The fiber adapter 2-C is on the front end or face ofthe integrated lens 2, and the center axis of the fiber adapter 2-C isparallel to the lowermost surface of the integrated lens 2.

A first lens 2-1 extends into the first cavity 2-A, and the first lens2-1 may be a convex lens, in a position above an optical transmitter ona substrate (e.g., a PCB; not shown in FIG. 3). First and second innersurfaces (e.g., on the bottom) of the second cavity 2-B in thetransmitter integrated lens 2 contain first and second planar opticalsurfaces 2-3 and 2-2 that may intersect each other at an angle of160-175°. The first and second planar optical surfaces 2-3 and 2-2 (and,generally, all planar optical surfaces described herein) may be orcomprise a mirror or other reflective surface. The transmitterintegrated lens 2 has a second lens 2-5 (which may be a convex lens) atan innermost end of the fiber adapter 2-C.

Preferably, the angle between the first optical surface 2-3 and thebottommost surface of the integrated lens 2 is 135°±15°, taking thebottommost surface of the integrated lens as a reference plane.Conversely, the angle between the first optical surface 2-3 and thebottommost surface of the integrated lens 2 is 45°±15°, taking thebottommost surface of the integrated lens as a reference plane. In someimplementations, the angle between the first optical surface 2-3 and thebottommost surface of the integrated lens 2 is an ideal 45° or 135°.

Preferably, the angle between the second optical surface 2-2 and thebottommost surface of the integrated lens 2 is 150°±15°, taking thebottommost surface of the integrated lens as a reference plane.Conversely, the angle between the second optical surface 2-2 and thebottommost surface of the integrated lens 2 is 30°±15°, taking thebottommost surface of the integrated lens as a reference plane. Inimplementations as shown in FIG. 3, the angle between the second opticalsurface 2-2 and the bottommost surface of the integrated lens 2 is 35°or 145°, and the angle between the first and second optical surfaces 2-3and 2-2 is 170°.

The integrated lens 2 integrated with multiple optical surfaces ispositioned above an optical signal transmitter (e.g., laser diode 4,FIG. 1) on a PCB (e.g., optical module PCB 3, FIG. 1). The opticalsignal from the optical signal transmitter 4 is perpendicularly incidentupon and focused and/or aligned by the first lens 2-1 (FIG. 3), and thenreflected by the first and second optical surfaces 2-3 and 2-2. Thefirst optical surface 2-2 reflects the optical signal to the second lens2-5 along a path parallel or substantially parallel with the bottom ofthe integrated lens 2, or the center axis of the fiber adapter 2-C. Thereflected optical signal is focused by the second lens 2-5 towards anoptical signal transmission fiber inserted into and/or connected with afiber adapter, where it is transmitted to one or more other devices(e.g., in an optical network). The second optical surface 2-2 reflectspart of the optical signal (e.g., 5-10% of the optical signal towardsthe third optical surface 2-4 (see the discussion of FIG. 4 below).

The integrated lenses 1 and 2 may comprise or be made from a highlytransparent, high modulus of elasticity material, such as glass, PEI,PET, PS or PMMA. For example, the transmitter and receiver integratedlenses may both be made from PEI. In some examples, the transmitter andreceiver integrated lenses are separate devices. In other examples, thetransmitter and receiver integrated lenses can be a single unit, and canbe formed in a single injection molding process.

The integrated lens (i.e., 1 or 2) includes a vent hole (1-D in FIGS. 2and 2-D in FIG. 3). The vent hole 1-D or 2-D is generally in the portionof the integrated lens 1 or 2 distal from the fiber adapter 1-C or 2-C,and communicates with the first cavity 1-A or 2-A, thereby permittingair flow in and out of the first cavity, and enabling a route for heatto transfer out of the first cavity 1-A or 2-A during operation. Thevent holes 1-D and 2-D also facilitate attachment of the bottommostsurface of the integrated lenses 1 and 2 to a substrate such as the PCB3 in FIG. 1 with an adhesive such as optical cement by preventing airfrom becoming trapped in the first cavity 1-A or 2-A, and allowing anysolvent or other gas fumes or by-products from the adhesive to escape.

Furthermore, in the transmitter integrated lens 2, the first cavity onthe light emission integrated lens 1 further contains a third opticalsurface 2-4, which is an inclined surface on a subcavity 2-E extendingfrom the first cavity 2-A into the transmitter integrated lens 2. Thesubcavity 2-E is generally between the fiber adapter 2-C and the firstlens 2-1, the first optical surface 2-3, and/or the second opticalsurface 2-2.

Furthermore, an optical signal detector (e.g., an optical monitoringdetector such as a photodiode 5, FIG. 1) is positioned under the thirdoptical surface 2-4 (FIG. 3). The optical signal from an opticaltransmitter (e.g., laser diode 4, FIG. 1) is perpendicularly incidentupon and focused and/or aligned by the first lens 2-1 (FIG. 3) onto thefirst and second optical surfaces 2-3 and 2-2. Part of the opticalsignal is reflected by the second optical surface 2-2 towards the thirdoptical surface 2-4, which refracts the reflected part of the opticalsignal onto the optical signal detector 5 (FIG. 1).

A First Exemplary Transmitter Integrated Lens

As shown in FIG. 3, an integrated lens 2 integrated with multipleoptical surfaces comprises a first cavity 2-A, a second cavity 2-B, anda fiber adapter 2-C. The first cavity 2-A is at the bottom of theintegrated lens 2. The second cavity 2-B is at the top of the integratedlens. The fiber adapter 2-C is at the front end or face of theintegrated lens 2. The center axis of the fiber adapter 2-C is parallelto the lowermost surface of the integrated lens 2. The first cavity 2-Ahas a first convex lens 2-1 that extends into the first cavity 2-A,above an optical transmitter (e.g., laser diode 5 in FIG. 1). The secondcavity 2-B forms first and second planar optical surfaces 2-3 and 2-2that intersect each other at an angle of 160-175°. The integrated lens 2includes a second convex lens 2-5 at an innermost end of the fiberadapter 2-C.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the transmitter integrated lens 2further contains a third, inclined optical surface 2-4 on a subcavity2-E of the first cavity 2-A, close to the fiber adapter 2-C. The thirdoptical surface 2-4 is inclined relative to the bottom of the integratedlens 2. Referring to FIG. 3, a fourth optical surface 2-6 alsointersects with the top of the third optical surface, but the fourthoptical surface 2-6 merely defines a second sloped surface of thesubcavity 2-E when the fourth optical surface 2-4 is in or on theintegrated lens 2.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, taking the bottommost surface of theintegrated lens 2 as a reference plane, the angle between the thirdoptical surface 2-4 and the bottommost surface of the integrated lens 2facing the fiber adapter 2-C is an acute angle (i.e., less than 90°).This enables the injection mold for the integrated lens 2 to be producedmore easily, with low production costs, a simple structure, andrelatively high yields. For example, the angle between the third opticalsurface 2-4 and the bottommost surface of the integrated lens 2 thatfaces the fiber adapter 2-C is from 65° to 85° (e.g., 79°±5°).

In this embodiment, FIG. 4 shows transmission paths of transmittedoptical signals using straight arrows. The integrated lens 2 ispositioned over an optical signal transmitter 4 on an optical module PCB(not shown). The optical signal from the optical signal transmitter 4 isincident upon and aligned by the first lens 2-1, and then reflected bythe first and second optical surfaces 2-3 and 2-2. After being reflectedby the first optical surface 2-3, the optical signal is focused by thesecond lens 2-5, then is incident upon an optical signal transmissionfiber (not shown) connected to the fiber adapter 2-C. In addition, thepart of the optical signal from the optical signal transmitter 4reflected by the second optical surface 2-2 to the third optical surface2-4 is refracted by the third optical surface 2-4 to a monitoringphotodiode 5.

A Second Exemplary Transmitter Integrated Lens

As shown in FIG. 5, a transmitter integrated lens 2′ having multipleintegrated optical surfaces comprises a first cavity 2-A, a secondcavity 2-B, and a fiber adapter 2-C, similar to or the same as thetransmitter integrated lens 2 of FIG. 3. The transmitter integrated lens2′ of FIG. 5 has a convex first lens 2-1 extending into the first cavity2-A, above an optical transmitter (e.g., laser diode 4; FIG. 6). Thesecond cavity 2-B contains first and second planar optical surfaces 2-3and 2-2 that intersect with each other at an angle of 160°-175°. Liketransmitter integrated lens 2′, the transmitter integrated lens 2′includes a convex second lens 2-5 at an innermost end of the fiberadapter 2-C.

However, as shown in FIG. 5, the transmitter integrated lens 1 has asubcavity 2-E′ in the first cavity 2-A defining a fourth optical surface2-4′ that is between the fiber adapter 2-C and at least one of the firstlens and the second planar optical surface 2-2. Taking the bottommostsurface of the integrated lens 2′ as a reference plane, the anglebetween the fourth optical surface 2-4′ and the bottommost surface ofthe integrated lens 2′ facing the fiber adapter 2-C is an obtuse angle(i.e., greater than 90°). In one example, the angle between the fourthoptical surface 2-4′ and the bottommost surface of the integrated lens2′ is from 91° to 116° (e.g., 101°±10°, taking the bottommost surface ofthe integrated lens 2′ as a reference plane. In this case, when theoptical signal reflected by the second optical surface 2-3 is incidentupon the fourth optical surface 2-4′, its incident angles are greaterthan the critical angle of the reflection. That is, the second andfourth optical surfaces 2-3 and 2-4′ can reflect the optical signal tothe optical monitoring detector with minimal losses. The opticalmonitoring detector (e.g., a photodiode 5; see FIG. 6) is under thefourth optical surface 2-4′. Therefore, this structure is relativelysimple, and provides high reflection efficiency.

FIG. 6 shows the transmission paths of the transmitted optical signalsin this embodiment. The integrated lens is positioned over the opticalsignal transmitter 4 on a substrate such as an optical module PCB (notshown). The optical signal from the optical signal transmitter 4 isincident upon and aligned or focused by the first lens 2-1 onto thefirst and second optical surfaces 2-3 and 2-2. The first optical surface2-3 reflects the optical signal to the second lens 2-5, which focusesthe optical signal upon an optical signal transmission fiber (or an endor predetermined internal position thereof) connected to the fiberadapter 2-C.

In addition, part of the optical signal from the optical signaltransmitter 4 is reflected by the second optical surface 2-2 to thefourth optical surface 2-4′, which reflects it to an optical signaldetector (such as a photodiode) 5. As the angle between the second andfourth optical surfaces 2-2 and 2-4′ is great, the incident angle of thelight from the second optical surface 2-2 upon the fourth opticalsurface 2-4′ is always much greater than the reflection angle. As aresult, the optical signal can be reflected by the fourth opticalsurface 2-4′ to the optical signal detector 5 with minimal losses.

A Third Exemplary Transmitter Integrated Lens

FIG. 7 shows a transmitter integrated lens 2″ with multiple integratedoptical surfaces, comprising a first cavity 2-A, a second cavity 2-B,and a fiber adapter 2-C. The transmitter integrated lens 2″ issubstantially the same as the transmitter integrated lens 2′ of FIG. 5,except that it further includes a convex third lens 2-7. The third lens2-7 extends into the first cavity 2-A and is located above themonitoring detector 5 (see FIG. 6), proximate to the bottom of thefourth optical surface 2-4′. The transmitter integrated lens 2″ works insubstantially the same way as the transmitter integrated lens 2′ of FIG.5, except that the optical signal reflected by the fourth opticalsurface 2-4′ is focused by the third lens 2-7 onto the monitoringdetector 5 below the fourth optical surface 2-4′. The optical signalreflected by the fourth optical surface 2-4′ and focused by the thirdlens 2-7 can be more effectively transmitted to the optical detector 5,thereby increasing the detection efficiency.

FIG. 8 shows transmission paths of the transmitted optical signals inthis embodiment. The integrated lens 2″ is over the optical signaltransmitter 4 on a substrate (e.g., an optical module PCB; not shown).The optical signal from the optical signal transmitter 4 is alignedand/or focused by the first lens 2-1 and reflected by the first andsecond optical surfaces 2-3 and 2-2 in the same way as integrated lenses2 and 2′ in FIGS. 4 and 6. The optical signal is reflected by the firstoptical surface 2-3 to the second lens 2-5, which focuses the reflectedoptical signal onto the optical signal transmission fiber in the fiberadapter 2-C in the same way as integrated lenses 2 and 2′ in FIGS. 4 and6.

In addition, part of the optical signal incident upon the second opticalsurface 2-2 reflected to the fourth optical surface 2-4′ in the same wayas the integrated lens 2′ in FIG. 6, and the fourth optical surface 2-4′further reflects the part of the optical signal to the third lens 2-7,which focuses the doubly-reflected part of the optical signal onto theoptical signal detector 5. FIG. 9 is an enlargement of the part of theintegrated lens 2″ surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 8. The thirdlens 2-7 under the fourth optical surface 2-4′ can collect the lightreflected by the fourth optical surface 2-4′ and focus it onto theoptical detector (e.g., monitoring photodiode 5).

A Fourth Exemplary Transmitter Integrated Lens

FIG. 10A is a cross-section of a transmitter integrated lens 2′″ withmultiple integrated optical surfaces in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention. The transmitter integrated lens2′″ comprises a first cavity 2-A having an opening 2-D through theintegrated lens, a second cavity 2-B, a fiber adapter 2-C, and a thirdcavity 2-E. The first cavity 2-A houses an optical signal transmitter(e.g., laser) 4 and a monitoring detector (e.g., photodiode) 5. Thefirst and third lenses 2-1 and 2-7 extend into the first cavity 2-A, andare respectively located above the laser 4 and the monitoring detector5.

FIG. 10A shows transmission paths of the transmitted optical signals.The integrated lens 2′″ is over the optical signal transmitter 4 on asubstrate (e.g., an optical module PCB; not shown). The optical signalfrom the optical signal transmitter 4 is aligned and/or focused by thefirst lens 2-1 and reflected by a single optical surface 2-2′ towardsboth a reflective optical surface 2-4″ and the second lens 2-5, whichfocuses the reflected optical signal onto the optical signaltransmission fiber in the fiber adapter 2-C in the same way asintegrated lenses 2, 2′ and 2″ in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8. Most of thereflected optical signal passes through the second lens 2-5. Part of thereflected optical signal is further reflected by the reflective opticalsurface 2-4″ to the third lens 2-7. The third lens 2-7 focuses lightreflected by the optical surface 2-4″ onto the monitoring detector 5.

FIG. 10B is an exterior view of the transmitter integrated lens 2′″ ofFIG. 10A. The depth of the second cavity 2-B is greater than that of thethird cavity 2-E to enable most of the optical signal reflected by theoptical surface 2-2′ to travel along the optical path to the second lens2-5. However, the depth of the third cavity 2-E must be sufficient toreflect part of the reflected optical signal to the third lens 2-7. Ingeneral, the amount of the reflected optical signal reflected by theoptical surface 2-4″ to the third lens 2-7 is in the range of 1-10%(e.g., 3-5%).

The optical surface 2-2′ and the reflective optical surface 2-4″ areeach at an angle of 45° with respect to the lowermost surface of thetransmitter integrated lens 2′″. However, the optical surface 2-2′ andthe reflective optical surface 2-4″ may be at other angles (e.g.,30°-60°) with respect to the uppermost or lowermost surface of thetransmitter integrated lens 2′″. In one embodiment, the optical surface2-2′ and the reflective optical surface 2-4″ are at an angle of 90° withrespect to each other.

The arrangement of cavities and reflective surfaces in the transmitterintegrated lens 2′″ generally has greater tolerance for misalignment ofthe optical signal transmitter 4, the monitoring detector 5, and/or theoptical fiber (not shown) in the fiber adapter 2-C. In other words, theplacement and/or position of the optical signal transmitter 4, themonitoring detector 5, and/or the optical fiber can vary more in designsemploying the transmitter integrated lens 2′″ than other transmitterintegrated lenses (e.g., integrated lenses 2, 2′ and 2″).

An Exemplary Transceiver

The present invention further relates to optical devices, opticalmodules and optical communication devices including the presentintegrated lens (e.g., optical coupling and/or connecting devices). Forexample, the optical device, optical module and optical communicationdevice may be an optical transceiver, which may comprise a receiverintegrated lens (e.g., the exemplary integrated lens 1 in FIG. 2), aphotodiode or other optical signal detector in the first cavity thereof,a transmitter integrated lens (e.g., the exemplary integrated lens 2, 2′or 2″ in FIG. 3, 5 or 7), and a laser diode or other optical signaltransmitter in the first cavity thereof. The photodiode in the firstcavity of the receiver integrated lens (e.g., a receiver photodiode) ispositioned to receive an incoming optical signal from the first lens ofthe receiver integrated lens. The laser diode in the first cavity of thetransmitter integrated lens is positioned to emit an outgoing opticalsignal to the first lens of the transmitter integrated lens.

As is described herein, the receiver integrated lens may comprise afirst cavity on a first side of the integrated lens, a first lensextending into or away from the first cavity, a second cavity on anopposite side of the integrated lens, a first optical surface on aninner surface of the second cavity, a fiber adapter configured toreceive an optical fiber (e.g., the receiver optical fiber), and asecond lens at an innermost end of the fiber adapter. Each of the firstand second lenses, the first optical surface, and the fiber adapter areintegrated into the receiver integrated lens. As is described herein,the transmitter integrated lens may comprise another first cavity on afirst side of the transmitter integrated lens, another first lensextending into the other first cavity, another second cavity on a sideof the transmitter integrated lens opposite from the first cavity,another first optical surface on a first inner surface of the othersecond cavity, another fiber adapter configured to receive anotheroptical fiber (e.g., a transmitter optical fiber), another second lensat an innermost end of the other fiber adapter, a second optical surfaceon a second inner surface of the other second cavity, and a subcavity(as described herein) extending from the first cavity, having a thirdoptical surface thereon. The second optical surface is adjacent to theother first optical surface. The third optical surface is between theother fiber adapter and at least one of the second optical surface andthe other first lens. Each of the other first and second lenses, theother first optical surface, the second optical surface, the other fiberadapter, and the third optical surface are integrated into thetransmitter integrated lens.

In various embodiments of the optical transceiver, the receiverintegrated lens and the transmitter integrated lens are proximate to andin parallel with each other (for example, as shown in FIG. 1). Infurther embodiments, the optical transceiver further includes an opticalsignal detector (e.g., a monitoring photodiode) in the first cavity ofthe transmitter integrated lens and/or a transimpedance amplifier (TIA)in the first cavity of the receiver integrated lens, as described herein(e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). The monitoring photodiode is configured toreceive a part of the outgoing optical signal reflected from the thirdoptical surface, as described herein. The TIA is electrically connectedto the receiver photodiode. Each of the monitoring photodiode and thereceiver photodiode may be an avalanche photodiode.

Exemplary Methods of Transmitting and Receiving an Optical Signal

Furthermore, the present invention further provides methods oftransmitting and receiving optical signals using the integrated lens.For example, a method of receiving an optical signal may compriseproviding an optical signal from an optical fiber to a receiving lensintegrated into the integrated lens (e.g., the second lens as describedherein), focusing the optical signal with the receiving lens onto areceiving optical surface (e.g., the first optical surface as describedherein), reflecting the optical signal optical detector in the lowercavity to a focusing lens, and focusing the reflected optical signalusing the focusing lens onto an optical detector. The integrated lenshas a fiber adapter configured to receive the optical fiber, and thereceiving lens is at an innermost end of the fiber adapter. Thereceiving optical surface (e.g., the first optical surface or mirror, asdescribed herein) is on an upper cavity (e.g., the second cavity, asdescribed herein) in a first side of the integrated lens, and thefocusing lens (e.g., the first lens, as described herein) is in orextends into a lower cavity (e.g., the first cavity, as describedherein) on a side of the integrated lens opposite from the first side.The optical detector (e.g., a photodetector) is in the lower cavity.

A method of transmitting an optical signal may comprise emitting anoptical signal from an optical transmitter in the first cavity of theintegrated lens, focusing the optical signal using the first lens ontothe first and second optical surfaces as described herein, reflectingthe optical signal from the first optical surface to the second lens,focusing the reflected optical signal onto an optical fiber using thesecond lens, reflecting part of the optical signal from the secondoptical surface to a third optical surface, and receiving the reflectedpart of the optical signal at a monitoring photodetector. As isdescribed herein, the first and second lenses, the first, second andthird optical surfaces, and the fiber adapter are integrated into theintegrated lens. The first lens extends into the first cavity, and thefirst and second optical surfaces are on inner surfaces of the secondcavity. The first and second cavities are in or on opposite sides of theintegrated lens. The integrated fiber adapter is configured to receivean optical fiber, and the second lens is at an innermost end of thefiber adapter. The third optical surface is on a subcavity of the firstcavity, and may have any of the forms described herein. The thirdoptical surface is between the fiber adapter and at least one of thesecond optical surface and the first lens. There may be a thirdintegrated lens below the third lens and extending into the firstcavity, as described herein, that focuses the reflected part of theoptical signal onto the monitoring photodetector. The monitoringphotodetector may be positioned on a substrate (e.g., a PCB) in thefirst cavity.

CONCLUSION/SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide anintegrated lens with multiple integrated optical surfaces and lenses.The integrated lens includes a first cavity, a second cavity, and afiber adapter. The first cavity is in an underside of the integratedlens; the second cavity is in an uppermost surface of the integratedlens. The fiber adapter is at a front end and/or face of the integratedlens, and the center axis of the fiber adapter is parallel to thelowermost surface of the integrated lens. A first lens of the integratedlens extends into the first cavity. The first lens may be convex, andmay be located above a position or location of an optical transmitter.The bottom of the second cavity contains first and second planar opticalsurfaces that intersect with each other at an angle of 160°-175°, andthat may form a line or ridge that is parallel with a cross-section ofthe integrated lens that is orthogonal to the center axis of the fiberadapter. The integrated lens includes a second lens at an innermost endof the fiber adapter. The second lens may be a convex lens. Theintegrated lens is applicable to optical modules and can be positionedin a location on a PCB that couples and/or connects an opticaltransmitter and/or optical receiver to a corresponding fiber (andvice-versa). The integrated lens can be manufactured by injectionmolding in a single mold, which offers a simple, low cost productionprocess and high production efficiency.

A receiver integrated lens having multiple integrated optical surfacesand lenses provides, with the interaction of one or more opticalsurfaces and one or more lenses, aligning and/or focusing the opticalsignal from an optical fiber in a fiber adapter (e.g., on the front endof the integrated lens) with a lens at an innermost end of the fiberadapter onto a first optical surface, reflecting the optical signal fromthe first optical surface towards a lens in a cavity of the integratedlens, and focusing the reflected optical signal onto an optical detector(e.g., a photodiode) on a substrate with lens in the cavity. Atransmitter integrated lens having multiple integrated optical surfacesand lenses provides, with the interaction of one or more of the opticalsurfaces and one or more of the lenses, aligning and/or focusing theoptical signal from an optical transmitter on a substrate with a firstlens onto a first optical surface, reflecting the optical signal fromthe first optical surface towards a second lens at an innermost end of afiber adapter, and focusing the reflected optical signal onto a fiber inthe fiber adapter (e.g., on the front end of the integrated lens). Thetransmitter integrated lens according to the invention can also reflecta part of the optical signal from a second optical surface adjacent tothe first optical surface to a third optical surface, then the thirdoptical surface reflects the part of the optical signal to an opticalsignal detector (e.g., a monitoring photodiode). Most of the opticalsignal from the transmitter is reflected by the first optical surface.

The process(es) enable not only the connection between opticaltransmitters and transmission fibers, but also the coupling of theoptical signal from an optical transmitter to an optical fiber, and froman optical fiber to an optical receiver. In addition, the integratedlens further takes a part of the optical signal from the transmitter formonitoring the transmitted optical signal, thereby achieving synchronousoptical signal transmission and detection. The integrated lens executesthe process using multiple optical surfaces instead of discrete and/orcomplex optical coupling and/or connecting components, therebyoptimizing the optical signal path, simplifying the device structure,and greatly reducing production costs. The integrated lens can have asimple, compact structure, a small size, light weight, and high opticalcoupling efficiency, and is applicable to various optical signalcoupling connections.

Moreover, the transmitter integrated lens can be placed proximate to areceiver integrated lens in parallel in an optical transceiver, fortransmission and reception of optical signals in a single module. Thispresent integrated lens is applicable to optical devices, opticalmodules and optical communication devices.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated lens have multiple integratedoptical surfaces and lenses, comprising: a first cavity on a first sideof the integrated lens; a first lens extending into or away from thefirst cavity; a second cavity on a second side of the integrated lensopposite to the first side of the integrated lens; a first opticalsurface on a first inner surface of the second cavity; a fiber adapterconfigured to receive an optical fiber; and a second lens at aninnermost end of the fiber adapter, wherein each of the first and secondlenses, the first optical surface, and the fiber adapter are integratedinto the integrated lens.
 2. The integrated lens of claim 1, whereineach of the first lens and the second lens are convex.
 3. The integratedlens according to claim 1, further comprising a vent hole through theintegrated lens, from the first cavity to an exposed surface on thesecond side of the integrated lens.
 4. The integrated lens of claim 1,wherein the first optical surface comprises a mirror.
 5. A transmitterintegrated lens, comprising the integrated lens according to claim 1,and a second optical surface on a second inner surface of the secondcavity, the second optical surface being adjacent to the first opticalsurface.
 6. The integrated lens of claim 5, wherein each of the firstand second optical surfaces are planar, and an angle between the firstand second optical surfaces is 160°-175°.
 7. The transmitter integratedlens of claim 5, wherein the first cavity further contains a subcavityhaving a third optical surface thereon, the third optical surface beingbetween the fiber adapter and at least one of the second optical surfaceand the first lens.
 8. The transmitter integrated lens of claim 7,wherein the first lens is configured to align and/or focus an opticalsignal from the first cavity onto the first and second optical surfaces,the first optical surface is configured to reflect the optical signal tothe second lens, and the second optical surface is configured to reflectpart of the optical signal to the third optical surface.
 9. Thetransmitter integrated lens of claim 8, wherein an angle between thethird optical surface and a bottommost surface of the integrated lensfacing toward the fiber adapter is from 65° to 85°, taking thebottommost surface of the integrated lens as a reference plane.
 10. Thetransmitter integrated lens of claim 8, wherein an angle between thethird optical surface and a bottommost surface of the integrated lensfacing away from the fiber adapter is 60°±y°, taking the bottommostsurface of the integrated lens as a reference plane, where y isindependently a positive number ≦15.
 11. The transmitter integrated lensof claim 7, further comprising a third lens proximate to the thirdoptical surface, extending into the first cavity.
 12. The integratedlens of claim 1, comprising a glass, a polyetherimide (PEI), apolyethersulfone (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polystyrene(PS), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
 13. An optical transceiver,comprising: a receiver integrated lens, comprising the integrated lensaccording to claim 1; a photodiode in the first cavity, positioned toreceive an incoming optical signal from the first lens; a transmitterintegrated lens, comprising: another first cavity on a first side of thetransmitter integrated lens; another first lens extending into the otherfirst cavity; another second cavity on a second side of the transmitterintegrated lens opposite to the first side of the transmitter integratedlens; another first optical surface on a first inner surface of theother second cavity; another fiber adapter configured to receive anotheroptical fiber; another second lens at an innermost end of the otherfiber adapter; a second optical surface on a second inner surface of theother second cavity, the second optical surface being adjacent to theother first optical surface; and a subcavity extending from the firstcavity, having a third optical surface thereon, the third opticalsurface being between the other fiber adapter and at least one of thesecond optical surface and the other first lens, wherein each of theother first and second lenses, the other first optical surface, thesecond optical surface, the other fiber adapter, and the third opticalsurface are integrated into the transmitter integrated lens; and a laserdiode in the other first cavity, positioned to emit an outgoing opticalsignal to the other first lens.
 14. The optical transceiver of claim 13,wherein the receiver integrated lens and the transmitter integrated lensare proximate to and in parallel with each other.
 15. The opticaltransceiver of claim 13, wherein the photodiode is an avalanchephotodiode.
 16. The optical transceiver of claim 13, wherein thephotodiode is electrically connected to a TIA.
 17. The opticaltransceiver of claim 13, further comprising an optical signal detectorin the first cavity, configured to receive a part of the outgoingoptical signal from the third optical surface.
 18. A method of makingthe integrated lens of claim 1, comprising injecting a material for theintegrated lens into a mold having a shape of the integrated lens, andremoving the injected material from the mold.
 19. A method of receivingan optical signal, comprising: providing an optical signal from anoptical fiber to a receiving lens integrated into an integrated lens,the integrated lens having a fiber adapter configured to receive theoptical fiber, and the receiving lens being at an innermost end of thefiber adapter; focusing the optical signal with the receiving lens ontoan optical surface on an upper cavity in a first side of the integratedlens; reflecting the optical signal to another lens in a lower cavity ofthe integrated lens, the lower cavity being in a second side of theintegrated lens opposite from the first side; and focusing the reflectedoptical signal using the other lens onto an optical detector in thelower cavity.
 20. A method of transmitting an optical signal,comprising: emitting an optical signal from an optical transmitter in afirst cavity of an integrated lens; focusing the optical signal using afirst lens onto first and second optical surfaces, the first lens beingintegrated into the integrated lens and extending into the first cavity,and the first and second optical surfaces being on a second cavity in aside of the integrated lens opposite from that of the first cavity;reflecting the optical signal from the first optical surface to a secondlens integrated into the integrated lens, the integrated lens having anintegrated fiber adapter configured to receive an optical fiber, and thesecond lens being at an innermost end of the fiber adapter; focusing thereflected optical signal using the second lens onto the optical fiber;reflecting part of the optical signal from the second optical surface toa third optical surface on a subcavity of the first cavity, the thirdoptical surface being between the fiber adapter and at least one of thesecond optical surface and the first lens; and receiving the reflectedpart the optical signal at a monitoring photodetector.